The research programme, which opens for applications from research teams today, will explore both the potential benefits and risks of using GenAI tools for learning, as well as any implications for socio-economically disadvantaged pupils.
Rapid rise of GenAI use
GenAI tools like ChatGPT have become part of everyday life since they became widely available in 2022. A recent National Literacy Trust report found that two-thirds (66.5%) of 13 – 18-year-olds are using AI to support their literacy and learning.
As these tools become more influential on how children and young people learn, the EEF’s new research fund aims to fill an urgent evidence gap by understanding how they influence learning processes and outcomes, both in the short and longer term.
A focus on cognitive offloading and learning processes
The EEF is especially interested in how GenAI may lead learners to “offload” thinking tasks like recall, planning, reasoning, or drafting onto GenAI tools.
This includes finding out whether cognitive offloading via GenAI supports deeper learning and knowledge acquisition, or whether it risks reducing cognitive engagement, increasing overreliance, or weakening long-term knowledge retention.
The research expects to examine a range of educational uses of GenAI, including:
- Summarising and explaining content
- Guided reasoning and worked examples
- Formative feedback
- Metacognitive support
- Personalised learning
- Adaptive instruction
For example, studies could explore how learners use GenAI to solve problems, plan essays, generate explanations of complex concepts, research new topics, or receive feedback on tasks.
Building the evidence base
In commissioning this round, the EEF aims to build an initial robust evidence base on how GenAI affects learning, as well as how learners can use it safely. They expect to commit up to £2.5m to this programme by commissioning a range of rigorous studies that use different designs, including but not limited to randomised controlled trials.
The studies will focus on investigating the impact of using GenAI on outcomes such as knowledge acquisition, conceptual understanding, working memory, and problem-solving. They may also look at other outcomes including motivation, self-efficacy, and resilience.
A key aim is also to understand how GenAI may affect different learners, particularly those from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Findings will help inform teachers, school leaders, and policymakers on how GenAI can be used effectively to support learning, while identifying where risks may arise and where careful pedagogical design is required.
The EEF is inviting applications from research teams to undertake this work. Research is expected to get underway later this year, with the first findings expected in 2027.
Full tender details: The impact of Generative AI (GenAI) on learning and cognition – ITT | Education Endowment Foundation
Professor Becky Francis CBE, CEO of the EEF, said: